Student visas and migration

Immerse yourself in vibrant new culture and lifestyle while gaining new knowledge and skills from Perth’s world-class universities, practical vocational colleges and outstanding English language schools

Exciting new pathways to make your dream career a reality

With one of the best-performing economies in the world and one of the lowest unemployment rates in Australia, Western Australia offers a wide range of exciting employment opportunities. And, with the Western Australian Government’s skilled migration pathways, those opportunities just got even greater.

With 194 recent additions to the Graduate Occupation List, international student visa holders studying and working in Western Australia may now be eligible for WA State Nomination through 331 occupations.

If you are an international student graduating in WA, the State Nominated Migration Program could also provide a pathway for permanent residence.

Learn more

Take advantage of WA’s thriving economy with diverse employment opportunities with these international student visa types

Student visa for Australia (subclass 500)

The Student visa (subclass 500) is perfect for students who want to work while studying in Perth.

With this visa, you can work up to 48 hours every 2-week period once your course starts.

If you’re outside Australia, it’s best to apply for your visa at least 6 weeks before your course begins.

Who is eligible?

Students who can provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at a full-time course registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and courses for Overseas Students, CRICOS.

How long can you stay in Australia?

The visa allows you to remain in Australia for up to 5 years for the purpose of full-time study at an educational institution, in line with your enrolment.

Learn more about this visa

Post-Study Work Visa (subclass 485)

As a student studying in Perth, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa and Second Temporary Graduate Visa.

The Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV)

A Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV) allows recent international graduates to spend time in Australia following their studies and gain practical work experience.

Who is eligible?

International students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution and maintained residence in Western Australia.

How long can you stay in Australia?

In Perth, this visa usually allows you to stay in Australia following your studies for between 4 and 6 years (extended duration following Government announcement), depending on your qualification.

For regional centres outside of Perth, this visa usually allows you to stay in Australia for up to 7 years.

Learn more about Temporary Graduate Visas

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)

This visa allows regional employers to sponsor skilled international workers for vacant positions.

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible for this visa if you:

Are nominated for a skilled position by an approved sponsor
Have the right skills to do the job
Meet the relevant English language requirements

Learn more about this visa

Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)

To obtain this visa, you must be nominated by the Western Australian Government. The visa allows you to

work and study anywhere in Australia
sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
If eligible, become an Australian citizen

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible for this visa if you:

Have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list
Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
Are invited to apply
Satisfy the points test

How long can you stay in Australia?

This visa allows you to live, work and study permanently anywhere in Australia.

Learn more about this visa

Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491)

To obtain this visa, you must be nominated by the Western Australian Government through the State Nominated Migration Program. The visa allows you to live, work and study in designated regional areas, including Perth, for 5 years.

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible for this visa if you:

Are nominated to apply by a state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative
Have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list
Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
Are invited to apply
Satisfy the points test

How long can you stay in Australia?

This visa allows you to live, work and study in designated regional areas, including Perth, for 5 years. You can also apply for permanent residence after 3 years and travel in and out of Australia whilst the visa is valid.

Learn more about this visa

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (subclass 494)

To obtain this visa, you must be nominated by an employer. It allows employers in regional areas to sponsor skilled international workers for vacant positions. The visa allows you to live, work and study in designated regional areas, including Perth, for up to 5 years.

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible for this visa if you:

Are nominated by an approved work sponsor
Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in your occupation
Have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list
Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
Are under 45 years of age
Meet minimum standards of English language proficiency

How long can you stay in Australia?

This visa allows you to live, work and study in designated regional areas, including Perth, for up to 5 years. You can also apply for permanent residence after 3 years and travel in and out of Australia whilst the visa is valid.

Learn more about this visa